Afleveringen
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This week, Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner explore the rich history of some of India’s Jewish communities, including the caste-influenced divisions among the so-called "Black Jews, White Jews, and Brown Jews" of Cochin. Using the Cochin Copper Plates as an entry point, Yael and Schwab explore how Indian Jewish life flourished—largely free of antisemitism—until almost the entire population made Aliyah after 1948. Yael explains that the Cochin (Cranganore) Copper Plates, dating possibly as far back as 1000 CE and inscribed in Tamil, bestowed unique privileges to the Jewish community on India’s Malabar Coast Jews and a Jewish leader named Joseph Rabban. Whether or not you're a "history nerd," you will appreciate this unique story, which reframes what we think of as "Jewish history."
Click here or a summary and sources referenced in the episode.
Click here to see pictures of the Cochin Copper Plates.
Be in touch. We want to hear from you. Write to us at [email protected].
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a brand of OpenDor Media.
Follow @unpackedmedia on Instagram and check out Unpacked on youtube.
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For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Soulful Jewish Living
Stars of David with Elon Gold
Unpacking Israeli History
Wondering Jews -
What can a coin tell us about history, power, and identity? This week, hosts Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner explore the Roman Judea Capta coins—propaganda minted to celebrate Rome’s brutal suppression of the Jewish revolt and the destruction of the Second Temple. Why would a global empire spotlight a small province like Judea on its currency? Schwab unpacks the fascinating world of numismatics, showing how coins served as ancient mass media and a tool for emperors like Vespasian to craft political narratives. This episode dives deep into coins as artifacts, propaganda tools, and symbols of survival and resistance.
Click here for a summary and sources referenced in the episode.
Click here for images of the Judea Capta Coins.
Click here to see images of the Israel Liberata Coin.
Be in touch. We want to hear from you. Write to us at [email protected].
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a brand of OpenDor Media.
Follow @unpackedmedia on Instagram and check out Unpacked on youtube.
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For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Soulful Jewish Living
Stars of David with Elon Gold
Unpacking Israeli History
Wondering Jews -
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This week, Yael Steiner and Jonathan Schwab trace the rich story of the menorah, one of Judaism’s oldest and most powerful symbols. The menorah has become an all encompassing symbol of Judaism in part because of the commercialization of the Christmas and Hanukkah season in the United States. But it has a complex history that started long before big box stores. From its origin in the Book of Exodus to its central role in the Holy Temple, and from the Roman plunder depicted on the Arch of Titus to its prominent place on the State of Israel’s national seal, the menorah has transcended time and geography to become a potent emblem of Jewish resilience, ritual, and identity.
Click here for a summary and sources referenced in the episode.
Click here to read The Menorah by Theodor Herzl.
Click here for images of the menorah.
Be in touch. We want to hear from you. Write to us at [email protected].
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a brand of OpenDor Media.
Follow @unpackedmedia on Instagram and check out Unpacked on youtube.
-------------------
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Soulful Jewish Living
Stars of David with Elon Gold
Unpacking Israeli History
Wondering Jews -
Yael Steiner and Jonathan Schwab explore one of the most astonishing archaeological discoveries in Jewish history: two tiny silver scrolls unearthed in Ketef Hinnom, just outside Jerusalem's Old City. Dated to the First Temple period—centuries older than the Dead Sea Scrolls—these amulets contain the earliest known inscription of a Biblical verse: the Birkat Kohanim, or priestly blessing. Yael shares how a 13-year-old boy accidentally uncovered a hidden burial chamber packed with ancient treasure, including the scrolls, and how scholars painstakingly unrolled and deciphered them using cutting-edge techniques.
Click here to see images of the Ketef Hinnom amulets and archeological site.
Click here for facts and sources referenced in the episode.
Click here for a vocabulary list from the episode.
Be in touch. We want to hear from you. Write to us at [email protected].
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a brand of OpenDor Media.
Follow @unpackedmedia on Instagram and check out Unpacked on youtube.
-------------------
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Soulful Jewish Living
Stars of David with Elon Gold
Unpacking Israeli History
Wondering Jews -
Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner explore the story of the Dura Europos Synagogue—preserved beneath desert sand in what is modern day Syria, for 1,700 years. In this colorful episode, Schwab and Yael take listeners on a vivid tour through the 3rd century BCE synagogue, its extraordinary murals of biblical scenes, its mysterious inscriptions, and clues about ancient Jewish life, art, and community. From Pharaoh’s daughter painted in the nude to Ezra depicted with a Torah scroll, this synagogue defies modern expectations with its wall-to-wall biblical imagery, multilingual graffiti, and rich cultural fusion of Roman, Persian, and Jewish influences.
Click the following links to see pictures of the Dura Europos Synagogue.
Pictures of the Dura Europos Synagogue
Additional pictures of the Dura Europos Synagogue
Click here for the sources and summary facts heard in the episode.
Be in touch. We want to hear from you. Write to us at [email protected].
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a brand of OpenDor Media.
Follow @unpackedmedia on Instagram and check out Unpacked on youtube.
-------------------
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Soulful Jewish Living
Stars of David with Elon Gold
Unpacking Israeli History
Wondering Jews -
Yael and Schwab dig into one of the most fascinating artifacts of Jewish antiquity: the Babylonian incantation bowls. These 5th–6th century earthenware bowls, found primarily in modern-day Iraq, were used by Jews—and their neighbors—as magical amulets to ward off demons, secure love, boost fertility, and protect homes. The conversation explores how these artifacts reflect the everyday concerns of Jews in late antiquity, how they blur the line between halacha and magic, and what they reveal about cultural exchange across ancient religions. Whether you're into Jewish magic, rabbinic history, or just want to know how to trap a demon in your cereal bowl, this episode has you covered.
Click here to see a picture of a Babylonian Incantation Bowl.
Click here for additional pictures of the bowls and their inscriptions.
Click here for a word list with some of the vocabulary in the episode.
Click here for a summary and sources about the Babylonian Incantation Bowls.
Be in touch. We want to hear from you. Write to us at [email protected].
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a brand of OpenDor Media.
Follow @unpackedmedia on Instagram and check out Unpacked on youtube.
-------------------
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Soulful Jewish Living
Stars of David with Elon Gold
Unpacking Israeli History
Wondering Jews -
As Passover approaches, Yael and Schwab dive into one of the most fascinating—and oldest—archaeological artifacts ever discovered: the Merneptah Stele. We travel back to 1209 BCE to explore this 3,200-year-old slab of Egyptian granite, which contains the first historical mention of Israel. The episode explores what the Merneptah Stele tells us about ancient Israel, Pharaohs, and the real-world backdrop of the Exodus narrative. Listen to Yael and Schwab's informative and delightful conversation and delve into the sources to enrich your Seder with something that’s older than the Haggadah itself.
Click here to see an image of the Merneptah Stele.
Click here for a recap and to read some of the sources used in the episode
Be in touch. We want to hear from you. Write to us at [email protected].
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a brand of OpenDor Media.
Follow @unpackedmedia on Instagram and check out Unpacked on youtube.
-------------------
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Soulful Jewish Living
Stars of David with Elon Gold
Unpacking Israeli History
Wondering Jews -
What does the Star of David really mean—and how did it become the symbol of Judaism and Jewish identity? In the Season 4 premiere of Jewish History Nerds, hosts Yael Steiner and Jonathan Schwab explore the history of the Star of David, also known as the Magen David or hexagram. From decorative motif to mystical symbol, from Jewish pride to Nazi persecution, this iconic six-pointed star carries a complex, and at times contradictory, legacy and story.
Click here for a picture of the badge that Nazis forced Jews to wear.
Click here for a picture of the Israeli flag.
Click here for a recap of the information discussed in the episode.
Click here to watch Unpacked's YouTube video "The Surprising History of the Star of David."
Be in touch. We want to hear from you. Write to us at [email protected].
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a brand of OpenDor Media.
Follow @unpackedmedia on Instagram and check out Unpacked on youtube.
-------------------
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Jewish History Nerds
Soulful Jewish Living
Stars of David with Elon Gold
Unpacking Israeli History
Wondering Jews -
Jewish History Nerds is back! Hosts Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner are here with a preview of season 4. Get ready to nerd out in a season devoted to the fascinating stories behind objects and symbols from Jewish history. Brush up on old episodes and subscribe to the show so you'll never miss an episode.
Be in touch. We want to hear from you. Write to us at [email protected].
Follow @unpackedmedia on Instagram and check out Unpacked on youtube.
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This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Unpacking Israeli History
Soulful Jewish Living
Stars of David with Elon Gold
Wondering Jews -
Jewish History Nerds survey
Ever wonder about the Jewish kings beyond David and Solomon? Join Yael and Schwab as they uncover the intriguing story of a lesser-known monarch from 5th century Yemen. Delve into the complex history of Yosef Dhu Nuwas, a Jewish convert who ascended to the throne of the ancient kingdom of Himyar.
This episode was hosted by Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner. Our education lead is Dr. Henry Abramson. Audio was edited by Rob Pera, and we’re produced by Rivky Stern.
For more on Yosef Dhu Nuwas and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Yodfm5BZIs8KBIl24I0bqrASiiPyuTImUOcnQ-t3XGI/edit?usp=sharing
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Wondering Jews
Unpacking Israeli History
Soulful Jewish Living -
Jewish History Nerds survey
Have you ever felt the need to reinvent yourself? To break free from the constraints of expectations and redefine your own path? Join Yael and Schwab as they explore the legacy of Bertha Pappenheim, aka Sigmund Freud's Anna O, a remarkable Jewish woman who defied societal norms and transcended the confines of her diagnosis. From her pioneering advocacy for women's rights to her profound influence on psychoanalysis, delve into the untold story of a woman who broke free from the limitations imposed by her time.
This episode was hosted by Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner. Our education lead is Dr. Henry Abramson. Audio was edited by Rob Pera, and we’re produced by Rivky Stern.
For more on Bertha Pappenheim and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KiejqyGVVUGZfQqmZ_QSHWKDu_0F7BafnUKsVAwDAmA/edit?usp=sharing
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Wondering Jews
Unpacking Israeli History
Soulful Jewish Living -
Jewish History Nerds survey
You may have heard of some of the greats of rabbinic history. But even if you've heard of Rav Sa'adia Gaon, you probably don't know his wild story. Join Yael and Schwab as they dive into the Gaonic era and find out what's so special about this transitional figure.
This episode was hosted by Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner. Our education lead is Dr. Henry Abramson. Audio was edited by Rob Pera, and we’re produced by Rivky Stern.
For more on Rav Saadia Gaon, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1y_lBzxA2joDLuUpz395QtM1KI9a5vYvFugJubdYtb14/edit?usp=sharing
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Wondering Jews
Unpacking Israeli History
Soulful Jewish Living -
Jewish History Nerds survey
Forget philosophers and historians, welcome to the world of Glikl, an ordinary yet extraordinary Jewish woman from 18th-century Germany. Join Yael and Schwab to explore the diary of Glikl, as she candidly shares her personal struggles and triumphs, offering a profound glimpse into the human experience, with an authenticity and vulnerability that still resonates today.
This episode was hosted by Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner. Our education lead is Dr. Henry Abramson. Audio was edited by Rob Pera, and we’re produced by Rivky Stern.
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Wondering Jews
Unpacking Israeli History
Soulful Jewish Living -
Jewish History Nerds survey
Lately it seems all anyone can talk about is... Zionism. But what even is Zionism? Jump into the world of Revisionist Zionist leader, Vladimir Jabotinsky, exploring his unique, and somewhat paradoxical, vision of zionism and a Jewish homeland: a delicate balance of strength and diplomacy. Join Yael and Schwab as they explore Jabotinsky's divergence from 'mainstream' Zionism, his advocacy for territorial maximalism, and his enduring impact on Israeli politics, providing new insight into his legacy and its effects on Zionism as we know it today.
This episode was hosted by Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner. Our education lead is Dr. Henry Abramson. Audio was edited by Rob Pera, and we’re produced by Rivky Stern.
For more on Vladimir Jabotinsky, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-eaNmU8d5HE-QyDzyQI888dJ1Dha9HY0p51Fz2mHFe8/edit?usp=sharing
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Wondering Jews
Unpacking Israeli History
Soulful Jewish Living -
Jewish History Nerds survey
Join Yael and Schwab as they delve into the world of 18th-century Jewish mysticism through the life of Hillel Ba'al Shem and his manuscript "Sefer HaCheshek." Exploring failed miracles and comedic exorcisms with humor and humility, they contrast Hillel's legacy with the revered Ba'al Shem Tov, uncovering profound philosophical insights and historical context, from Kabbalah to controversies surrounding figures like Shabbetai Tzvi, sparking captivating conversations about faith, belief, and the human condition.
This episode was hosted by Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner. Our education lead is Dr. Henry Abramson. Audio was edited by Rob Pera, and we’re produced by Rivky Stern.
For more on Hillel Ba'al Shem, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jAk-0caPNldFuatKkAvwLjilQzLrBFk41Q-n2HBwcSI/edit?usp=sharing
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Jewish History Nerds
Unpacking Israeli History
Soulful Jewish Living -
Jewish History Nerds survey
Embark on a captivating journey through the extraordinary life of Devorah Romm, a pioneering businesswoman in 19th-century Lithuania, who reshaped the literary landscape of Eastern European Jewish communities. Whether breaking copyright rules, crafting the opulent Vilna Shas, implementing a groundbreaking business strategy, or obtaining rare manuscripts from the Vatican, Devorah was unafraid of taking charge and defying expectations. Join Yael and Schwab as they uncover the legacy of Devorah Romm, a trailblazer who not only rose to each challenge presented, but flourished in ways unimaginable for woman at the time, leaving an everlasting mark on the Jewish world.
This episode was hosted by Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner. Our education lead is Dr. Henry Abramson. Audio was edited by Rob Pera, and we’re produced by Rivky Stern.
For more on Devorah Romm, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rYN4Yq7nBzV58YD68FRsfLkIKEjU_qp0RI9DF6wTusg/edit#heading=h.oefh2lmsj39c
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Jewish History Nerds
Unpacking Israeli History
Soulful Jewish Living -
Jewish History Nerds survey
Welcome to Ludmir, Ukraine. The year is 1806, and the revolutionary Hannah Rachel Vermermacher, also known as the Maiden of Ludmir, is shaking up the traditional Jewish world. Born into affluence, Hannah Rachel's life took a transformative turn, leading her to embrace the role of a Hasidic rabbi, or rebbe. Despite facing objections and rumors, she chose an independent path, attracting followers seeking her guidance, and breaking a few societal norms along the way. Eventually, Hannah Rachel ventured to Jerusalem, expanding her influence as her teachings spread across the broader Jewish world. Join Yael and Schwab as they discover the enduring impact of the Maiden of Ludmir's unique story, uncovering a harmonious blend of mysticism and independence.
This episode was hosted by Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner. Our education lead is Dr. Henry Abramson. Audio was edited by Rob Pera, and we’re produced by Rivky Stern.
For more on the Maiden of Ludmir, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xPOaXDHbiTh_hHoJHaV32jlg9CVsWiGYKOFMntzmYo4/edit#heading=h.ox6pluiqfvx2 -
Jewish History Nerds survey
Moses Mendelssohn faced the intricate challenges of being a Jew in an enlightened European setting. Despite impactful contributions, his legacy includes challenges faced by his family and questions about the long-term impact of his ideas on Jewish identity. Join Schwab and Yael as they explore the complex story of Moses Mendelssohn, and delve into the intricacies of Jewish identity.
This episode was hosted by Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner. Our education lead is Dr. Henry Abramson. Audio was edited by Rob Pera, and we’re produced by Rivky Stern.
For more on Moses Mendelssohn, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x3_mO1dbJc4DQf4sg6JZtyqfWkiU3nHNj8YNSszDhFc/edit#heading=h.j4qqg1vxy5x0 -
Jewish History Nerds survey
Meet Heinrich Graetz, the trailblazing historian who transformed Jewish history. Born into 19th-century Germany, Graetz challenged norms and bridged the gap between Orthodox and academic worlds. Join us as we unravel Graetz's legacy and explore the evolving landscape of Jewish identity through his groundbreaking work. In this episode, hosts Schwab and Yael explore the life and pioneering work of 19th-century German Jewish historian Heinrich Graetz. The episode reflects on tensions surrounding Graetz's work, highlighting the ongoing relevance of his social scientific approach.
This episode was hosted by Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner. Our education lead is Dr. Henry Abramson. Audio was edited by Rob Pera, and we’re produced by Rivky Stern.
For more on Heinrich Graetz, and this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EfqB96omNaNU8MpWpcpd1gOmxDz4P-1yU3kHEXOLriE/edit?usp=sharing
Buy the ebook of History of the Jews (for only $2!) here. -
We’re back for Season 3. We’ll still be unpacking awesome stories, dialing up the nerdiness, and leaning in to Jewish history. Get ready, and brush up on past episodes.
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